Everything You Need to Know About Grilling Pork Chops 

Pork chops are one of the most incredible cuts you can grill anytime. However, it can be an intimidating experience if you don’t know the basics of grilling pork chops. You need to choose the right pork chops, know proper grilling temperature, and how long you’ll be cooking them over a grill. 

What are some of the biggest mistakes to avoid when grilling pork chops? Among the common mistakes to avoid while grilling pork chops include not seasoning or marinating the meat before grilling and not resting the meat after grilling. These are some of the things addressed in this post. So keep reading to know everything about grilling pork chops. 

How to Grill Pork Chops 

Grilling pork chops isn’t complicated. Below is a quick step-by-step process on how to go about it. 

1. Make your favorite marinade. Additionally, you can try dry rubs on the pork chops if you don’t like marinades 
2. Marinate your pork chops for at least 4 hours in a refrigerator before grilling. However, it doesn’t have to take all that long for dry rubs. 
3. Remove the meat from the fridge and let it attain room temperature before grilling. 
4. Preheat your electric grill to medium-high heat for about 10-20 minutes. Generally, attain about 375-400 degrees F. 
5. Grill your pork chops for about 3-5 on each side and ensure you attain at least 145 degrees F. However, the cooking time might be longer or shorter depending on the thickness of your chops and the level of doneness you wish to attain. 
6. Remove the pork chops from the grill and allow them to rest for about 5 minutes before serving. It will enable juices and moisture to redistribute in the meat; therefore, you end with juicy and tender grilled pork chops. 

How long To Grill Pork Chops? 

The period you grill pork chops varies depending on several factors. They include: 

A. The thickness of the meat 

Thin, lean cuts take a shorter time to grill than thick cuts. Therefore, the thicker the pork chops, the longer the grilling time and vice versa. 

B. Grilling temperature 

Pork chops tend to cook more quickly if you're cooking over high heat than on low heat. 

C. Types of pork chop

Bone-in pork chops cook longer than boneless pork chops. For instance, bone-in pork chops measuring 1 inch thick should cook for about 8-10 minutes per side, while a boneless pork chop measuring ½ inch thick cooks for about 3 minutes per side. 

Below tables are a general guide on how long you should grill the two types of pork chops

1. A table guide for bone-in pork chops 

2. A table guide for boneless pork chops

NOTE: All of the above cooking times on both tables apply to grilling pork chops at room temperature. Therefore, add about 3 minutes on each period if your pork chops are cold. 

What is the Ideal Internal Cooking Temperature for Pork Chops? 

Finding the correct internal temperature for cooking pork chops depends on the doneness you want to achieve. Usually, the safe internal temperature for cooking pork is 145 degrees F. 

Check out the table below. 

How to Tell Pork Chops are Done 

One of the challenges you’re likely to face, especially beginners, is telling whether meat is done. Unfortunately, the formation of grill marks and searing is not enough to sign that pork chops are done. So let’s explore different ways/ methods you can use to tell if pork chops are done. 

A. Use a meat thermometer 

The best way to determine whether pork chops are done is to use a meat thermometer to measure the internal temperature. Most importantly, ensure you attain an internal temperature of at least 145 degrees F. That is the safe internal temperature for pork. 

B. Color and texture 

Well-done pork chops have a firm texture, slightly pinkish in the center of the cut, with most meat being white. Additionally, you get clear juices running out after cutting. 

If your pork chops have a soft texture, they’re still raw.  

Note: Eating undercooked pork or meats can easily cause food-borne illnesses. Therefore utilize the above two techniques to ensure you’re eating properly cooked pork chops. 

Pro Tips for Grilling Pork Chops 

• Consider grilling bone-in pork chops over boneless counterparts because they end up flavorful, juicy, and tender. Additionally, choose thick pork chops (about 1 to 2 inches). 
• Never omit to marinate, brine, or use dry rubs on your pork chops. They enhance flavor. 
• Avoid overcooking your pork chops because they can easily dry out. For this reason, always utilize a meat thermometer if you want to achieve an ideal internal cooking temperature. 
• Pat the meat dry before it hit the grill cooking surface. Pork chops that are excessively damped don’t sear properly. 
• Always allow your pork chops to rest for about 3-8 minutes before you serve them. It enhances meat’s tenderness. 

Can you Cook Pork Chops on an Electric Grill? 

Electric grills are versatile and cook a variety of foods, and pork chops are not an exception. Additionally, grills such as the Atgrills electric grills come with variable temperature control and can reach up to over 400 degrees F; therefore, you can quickly grill thin and thick pork chops.  

Sources
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